Geo-hazard esprit de corps

Who should have the last say on the safety and viability of building terrain? Right now, the governor's Geologic Hazards Working Group — like the old cartoon character — is playing "push-me-pull-you." Private engineers and consultants want some input on recommendations, but city officials don't want them to have too much. And who should handle appeals when public entities and private groups disagree? Add to that a heavy workload, fear of being held liable for decisions and a press to brings geologists on board and you have quite a cacophony.

But that's not all bad. Wrestling and compromise are often the hallmark of needed change and important regulations.

What would be bad is if those involved allowed the bickering and tug-of-war to undermine the effort and sideline any attempt to make development and growth in the state line up with safety and geologic concerns.

Utah, with its array of climates and topography, is a catch basin for natural disasters ranging from tornados to mudslides and avalanches to flash floods. And let's not forget earthquakes. But in a booming market, sometimes dollar signs can cloud the vision of people who should take more care about where they pour concrete and nail up drywall.

Author Wallace Stegner once divided Westerners into two groups: the "boomers" and the "stickers." The stickers have to live with the crops sown by boomers. It's important that developers keep that in mind.

We urge Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. to ride herd on this gang. Their suggestions may not be binding, but the governor should take them to heart and try to drive through reforms where needed. Geologic maps need to be updated. Past disasters need to be avoided. And surely a few more dollars can be found to help the group lighten its burden. Several organizations are involved — including the Division of Homeland Security and the Utah League of Cities and Towns — but the governor and his people are the ones who need to play wrangler and turn these horses into a team. Good ideas are only good ideas if they lead to worthy policy.

And this is a good idea that deserves to be on the books.